A LITTLE BIT ABOUT Laura

Reflecting on the question "Who am I?" can often feel overwhelming, especially when life gets tough. As I seek to introduce myself to you, I feel drawn to first share that I'm a loving mother to both human and cat children, a devoted partner, a loyal friend, a supportive colleague, and a confidant you can rely on. I embrace my sensitivity and vulnerability, and can, when appropriate, also be sarcastic and funny. 

For enjoyment, I write satirical folk songs and play the guitar and harmonica with all my heart, even if I'm not perfect at it. Having grown up near the ocean, my move to Colorado almost fifteen years ago introduced me to the beauty of the local landscape. Despite my allergies, I find immense joy in sitting among the pollinator habitat in my yard. Cooking, eating, and listening to the unique stories of others are passions of mine. I love creating art, watching bad 80s movies, and both sitting in the discomfort of, and finding the joy in, the day to day of daily life.

In the 2001 comedy ‘Zoolander’, Ben Stiller asks his reflection, “Who am I?” and it replies, “I don’t know,”. This resonates deeply with me. For many of us, the answer is, “It’s complicated.” And that's okay. Together, we can navigate the complexities and help you get to know - and accept - all parts of yourself.

Why I am pursuing a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist

In my heart, I know and believe humans cannot exist in isolation; everything we were, we are, and we work towards is bound by our experience with others. The relationships we are born into and the ones we establish throughout our lifetimes all impact us in different ways, and they weave a complex understanding of our identities that change with space and time. I have experienced complicated, fulfilling, and traumatic relationships that have both defined who I am and have cultivated a reconstruction of my own narrative and identity. I believe we all desire the ability to foster genuine and authentic relationships with ourselves and with the people in our lives, even when we don’t know where to begin. While we all have unique experiences that define us, we can never truly understand who we are without those with whom we choose to let into our inner world. I have always been someone who approaches people and life with an openness and curiosity, and I am so grateful to those who allow me to support them as they navigate and seek fulfillment, whatever that may look like, in their unique, complicated, messy, and beautiful lives.

Credentials

Master of Arts in Couples and Family Counseling Candidate- University of Colorado Denver, Colorado. 

Master of Education in Human Development and Psychology – Harvard University 

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies – University of California, Berkeley

Previous Experience

University of Colorado, Denver, Counseling Clinic - provided therapy services for individuals, couples and families

Rocky Mountain Human Services – Provided case management for children 0-3 with developmental delays and disabilities, and facilitated support for their families. I collaborated on family centered therapeutic treatment planning and advocacies for families in Denver County.

Fisher Early Learning Center (FELC) – Developed, implemented, and supervised FELC recommended practices in curriculum and classroom environments. I utilized a strengths-based and collaborative family approach to foster the growth and development of children 6 weeks old to 6 years old.

Holocaust Awareness Institute at the University of Denver - I connected community organizations and schools to Holocaust survivors willing to share their stories

Professional Affiliations

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy - Member

Random ‘fun facts’ about me!

Best Goal: Practicing radical acceptance.

Best Habit: Meeting people where they are at.

Best Reason to be Happy: Knowing my children are safe. 

Best Legal Route to Joy: Dancing in my basement when no one is around.

Best Flaw: Feeding people whether they are hungry or not. 

Best Accomplishment: Providing resources and supports for children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families in the Denver Metro Area. 

Best Motto: “Today you are You, that is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than You!” -Dr. Seuss 

Best Under Appreciated Skill: Knowing almost any song that comes on the radio no matter the genre. 

Ready to get started?

Schedule an appointment with me.